Admission requirements
Students should have passed Linguistics 6: Phonology in the B.A. English Language and Culture (or equivalent course). If in doubt, consult the course tutors before registering.
Description
This course will be concerned with the interpretation of historical change in current phonological theories, with particular emphasis on theories of the representation of phonological units. We will examine the suitability of the generative paradigm for the description of sound changes such as Breaking, i-umlaut, and the Great Vowel Shift, and will consider the status of processes such as Open Syllable Lengthening and Homorganic Lengthening
Course objectives
To extend the students’ knowledge of phonological theory acquired in earlier courses to historical data; to introduce them to the question of the relationship between theory and historical data, in particular the extent to which a particular theoretical paradigm determines the reconstruction of what ‘actually happened’ in particular sound changes in the history of English.
Timetable
The timetable will be available by June 1st at www.hum.leidenuniv.nl/engels.
Mode of instruction
A two-hour seminar per week.
Assessment method
Written assignment (70%), classroom contribution (30%).
Blackboard
This course is supported by Blackboard.
Reading list
Articles
Registration
Students should register through uSis.
Contact information
Departmental Office English Language and Culture, P.N. van Eyckhof 4, room 102C. Tel. 071 5272144; mail: english@hum.leidenuniv.nl.
Coordinator of Studies Master: Ms. K. van der Zeeuw-Filemon, P.N. van Eyckhof 4, room 103C.
Remarks
No remarks.